Quote Originally Posted by TwinMfg
I accidentally stumbled across MTW- and man, am I glad that I did (unlike my wife)...

The guides are good. Perhaps a little too good, so I would caution you to not use them until you absolutely need to... Frog's unit guide is good to read for understanding unit strengths/weaknesses, etc. A must read while your game is being shipped to you.

But don't make the mistake of reading the faction guides while waiting like I did. The best fun is selecting a faction and learning its strengths/weaknesses the hard way. Reading the faction guides ruins that fun; therefore I was forced to install a mod earlier than I should have so I could have a greater challenge. In short, don't read the faction guides unless you're really stuck.
Two comments... First, I know what you mean about MTW and how your significant other can't understand the attraction and joy of the game. Where else can a man feel the joy of conquest and empire building? In his cubicle or corner office? hehe...

Second, I understand where you're coming from with your suggestion not to read the guides because they are very, very good... I remember playing my first game straight out of the box and getting slaughtered and making all sorts of poor investment and strategic choices... it was kinda fun stumbling around like a bumbling idiot trying to figure things out but that got old kinda fast.

Once I read Frogbeastegg's guide there was no stopping me... and I look at it this way... Think about a king or up and coming prince and the training and schooling involved in making them a worthy monarch. They are schooled in warface, the intrigue of politics and the economics of the nation and anything else that may be needed to rule.